Giving it a go

The Giving it a Go program is part of a research project designed to provide information and supports for people who have a chronic musculoskeletal condition—particularly those who receive the Disability Support Pension (DSP)—to help build confidence to engage with work, education and the wider community.

The program consists of nine modules designed to be completed over 12 weeks, though you can take longer to complete each module if needed and you can also re-do any module. Each module contains a mix of short articles, videos and real stories from people on how they manage their musculoskeletal conditions. Each module takes around 15-20 minutes to complete. Participants will have the option to undertake additional activities, and will also have access to a private online support community.

The program covers a range of topics across three key themes of advocacy, self-care and support. The content for the program has been designed in response to feedback from people with musculoskeletal conditions on what they want to know more about. The content is tailored specifically for people with a musculoskeletal condition with a focus on those in receipt of a Disability Support Pension.

The program will take you on a journey through three distinct phases (Explore, Plan, Engage) where you will be given up-to-date information and practical tips that may help you engage further with work, education or the wider community. Content is delivered through videos, short articles and real stories, with links to further information for those who would like to learn more.

To be eligible you need to:

-be aged 18-65 years

-have a chronic musculoskeletal condition e.g. back pain, arthritis, injury

-preferably be receiving the Disability Support Pension (DSP), although

people who are not receiving the DSP may also take part

-employment is not a condition, you can be working or not working

-be able to complete the surveys and understand the program content in English